Jagr: Lemieux best I played with

Jan. 25, 2006

Written by

ANDREW GROSS
THE JOURNAL NEWS

Jaromir Jagr never saw Wayne Gretzky play during the 1980s. But to the Rangers' right wing, Mario Lemieux is the greatest.

"He's the greatest I played with," Jagr said of his former Pittsburgh Penguins teammate. "I didn't see Wayne in his best years. (Lemieux) had everything: size; he was smart, quick, strong. He had it all, but he didn't have one thing: He didn't (stay) healthy."

Jagr said what amazed him so much about Lemieux was that for all of No. 66's strength, "it's just a natural gift; he never really worked out." ...